Case and supporting frame member therefor

ABSTRACT

The disclosed subject matter is directed to a case comprising a body member having side walls extending between a base and a circumferential rim, and a frame member articulated to an inside face of the side walls. The frame member is integrally molded with at least one of both a divider dividing the body member into respective front and rear compartments, and a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the body member.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is concerned with cases and accessories therefor. More particularly the disclosure is directed to cases and an attachable supporting frame member configured for supporting and attaching pliable accessories to said case.

The term ‘case’ as used in the specification and claims is used in its broad sense and denotes, among others, luggage, suitcases, trolleys, bags, tool bags, containers and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,738

U.S. Pat. No. 8,960,391

Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

BACKGROUND

Different cases, such as suitcases and the like, are often provided with various types of arrangements allowing the space defined by its walls to be divided and for the sections to be separated, at times defining compartmented sections. More so, there is often provided a liner disposed adjacent the walls of the case to thereby conceal the structural and constructional elements of the walls.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,738 discloses an upright suitcase includes a front section and an opposing rear section, each having an outer panel and a circumferential wall with a bottom edge and a plurality of free edges. The bottom edges are hingedly connected for movement of the opposing front and rear sections between an open position, in which access to the opposing sections is provided, and a closed position, in which all of the edges of the two circumferential walls are in juxtaposition. A zipper closure engages the opposing sections and selectively holds the free edges of the circumferential walls in juxtaposition. A divider panel is positioned within the upright suitcase to at least partially divide the opposing sections from each other when in the closed position. The divider panel has one end flexibly tethered to the rear circumferential wall and is movable into and out of the rear section. Slack connectors connected to the rear circumferential wall are positioned to selectively and flexibly connect the free end of the divider to the rear circumferential wall. Retainer straps connected to the rear section are positioned to engage the divider and draw it toward the outer panel of the rear section.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,960,391 discloses a suitcase comprising a body with an edge adapted to be coupled to a space of a connection means for a partition adapted to divide the internal space of the suitcase into a smaller space and a larger space, the connection comprising a raceway adapted to be slidingly coupled to a sliding element which is complementary to the raceway and fixed to a support element with which the partition is integrally associated, the connection includes an internal portion of the body made of soft material, at the extremity of which the raceway which is made of rigid material is fixed, and an external portion of the body made of soft material, the sliding element being made of rigid material fixed to the support element which is made of soft material.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

According to a first aspect of the disclosure there is disclosed a case comprising a body member having side walls extending between a base and a circumferential rim, and a frame member articulated to an inside face of the side walls, said frame member being integrally molded with at least one of both a divider dividing the body member into respective front and rear compartments, and a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the body member.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is a frame member configured for articulation to an inside face of a side walls of a base member of a case, said frame member being integrally molded with at least one of both a divider dividing the body member into respective front and rear compartments, and a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the body member.

In accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter, one or both of the divider and the liner comprises at least partially extending around its circumference a rigid frame element configured for articulation to side walls of a case.

According to an aspect of the disclosed subject matter there is disclosed a divider and a partitionable case that includes a divider dividing the case into respective front and rear compartments. In accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter the divider comprises at least partially extending around its circumference rigid frame element. In accordance with yet an example, the divider is further configured to provide a structural support to the case when attached thereto. In addition with another example the divider is a detachably attachable element.

According to yet an aspect, the disclosed subject matter refers to a liner for lining at least a portion of the inner surface of a case. In accordance with an example, the liner is provided with a rigid frame element at least partially extending around its circumference. The liner can be a detachably attachable element. In accordance with an example, the liner is of a basket like structure having a base member and at least one wall extending therefrom. The liner in accordance with certain examples is provided in a folded, substantially flat configuration and is configured to obtain a voluminous structure having a base and at least one wall extending circumferentially therefrom.

In accordance with a disclosed subject matter a liner and a divider can be configured for mutual engagement and further for detachable connection to the case.

The arrangement is such that the frame member is configured to bear laterally extending forces applied to side walls of the case, both inwardly and outwardly oriented.

Furthermore, in a case comprising a base member and a cover member articulated thereto, each in turn comprising a frame member, said frame members bearing against each other at a closed position of the case and are configured for and bearing axial forces applied therebetween.

Any one or more of the following features, design and configurations can be applied to respective aspects of the case and frame member, according to the present disclosure, either separately or in various combinations thereof:

The frame member can be snapingly articulated to the inside face of the side walls of the body member. Fasteners can be applied for securing the frame member to the side walls thereof;

The frame member can be a solid unitary member, or a interrupted member have segments articulated to respective portions of the side walls of the case;

The divider can be rigid, pliable or flexible. The divider can be solid or it can be configured with portions having different rigidity;

The divider can be configured with one or more pockets. The one or more pockets can be configured at either face of the divider. The one or more pockets can be closeable.

The divider can be made of, or include portions made of a mesh material;

The liner can have a three dimensional shape conforming with the inside shape of the body member. According to one example the liner has a basket-like shape;

The liner can comprise a closeable opening allowing excess into a space extending behind the liner;

The frame member can be detachably attachable to the side walls of the base member;

The frame member can be articulated to the rim of the side walls of the body member, or below said rim;

The frame member can be configured as a reinforcing element for imparting the body member rigidity and structural support;

The frame member can further be configured with securing straps extending across the side walls and designed to hold contents of the case in place;

The securing straps can be detachably attachable to the frame member and according to a particular example, the securing straps can be slidingly secured to the frame member;

The frame member or the liner can be configured with openings at respective corners thereof, facilitating mounting same over securing straps extending from respective corners or portions of the side walls;

The case can be configured with a cover member pivotally articulated to the circumferential rim of the body member. According to one embodiment, the cover member is articulated to the body member by one or more snap-type fasteners. According to another embodiment the cover member is articulated to the body member by a continuous closure;

The cover member can be configured as a complimentary body member, increasing the storage space of the case, having side walls extending between a base and a circumferential rim configured for bearing over the circumferential rim of the base member;

The cover member can be configured with a frame member articulated to an inside face of the side walls, said frame member being integrally molded with at least one of both a divider dividing the body member into respective front and rear compartments, and a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the body member;

The frame member can be articulated to the rim of the body member. According to one configuration, the frame member has a generally L-shaped cross section, with a first leg portion articulated to the respective side wall of the base member and a second leg portion projecting inwards from the side walls.

The second leg portion of the frame member can be configured with a substantially flat top surface and is suited for disposing at a face-to-face orientation with a like frame member of a cover member of the case. In use, such flat top surfaces can bear against each other when the cover member rests over the body member;

The second leg portion of the frame member can be configured with a projection-depression arrangement, for mating cooperation with a frame member of a respective cover member of the case, and configured with an opposite projection-depression arrangement. Such an arrangement provides adequate sealing of the case and increases its rigidity.

The projection-depression arrangement can be one or both of at least a depressed portion and at least a projecting portion configured over the second leg portion of the frame member, whereby at the closed state of the case, when a rim of the cover is rests over a rim of the base member, the frame member of the cover member interacts with the frame member of the base member;

The side walls of the body member and of the cover member can comprise a frame arresting groove extending at least about a portion of the side walls and configured for articulation therein of said first leg portion of the frame member;

The divider can be a flexible material having a high tensile strength with the frame member extending there around being injection molded over the flexible material. The flexible material can be textile, mesh etc. Other suitable materials include, but are not limited to, canvas, cloth, leather, and nylon. The frame member can be injected using plastic or a composite material providing a rigid though pliable frame;

The divider and liner are integrally molded with the frame member and can be integrally secured between a layer of plastic material extending over one of or both faces thereof;

The frame member can comprise sheet gripping arrangements for improving integration and grip of the divider and the liner to the frame member.

Divider and liner gripping arrangements can be spikes projecting trough edges of the divider and liner;

Divider and liner gripping arrangements can be openings extending through edges of the divider and liner, whereby plastic material of the frame member extends through said openings;

The divider and liner can be made of, or coated with, a polymeric material suitable for bonding with the frame member during an over molding process;

The frame member can be configured with a resilient gasket at the second leg portion, improving sealing and closure engagement between the frame member of the base member and of the cover member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a suitcase fitted with a frame member, according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the suitcase of FIG. 1, at an open position;

FIG. 2B is an enlargement of the portion marked 2B in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view a suitcase fitted with a frame member, according to another example of the disclosure, at an open position;

FIG. 3B is an enlargement of the portion marked 3B in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is an enlargement of the portion marked 3C in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a divider in accordance with one example of the disclosed subject matter;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the divider of FIG. 4 in a bottom perspective view, with FIG. 5B being an enlargement of the portion marked 5B in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a body member in accordance with a disclosed subject matter showing the receiving channel extending along portions of the body member;

FIG. 6B is an enlarged section of the channel, the section taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 6A;

FIGS. 7A to 7E illustrate the divider of FIG. 4 attached to the base member of FIG. 6A, with FIGS. 7B and 7C showing an enlarged perspective and planar view, respectively, of a cross section taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 7A and FIGS. 7D and 7E showing an enlarged perspective and planar view, respectively, of a cross section taken along line VIII-VIII, in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7F is a sectioned view of a portion of the suitcase seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, at a closed position;

FIG. 8 illustrates a basket-shaped liner e.g. for the body member seen in the suitcase of 2A, the liner in its folded configuration;

FIGS. 9A to 9G illustrate the basket liner of FIG. 8, in a fully deployed position (9A and 9E) with FIGS. 9B to 9G illustrating engagement portions of the basket liner frame member configured for attachment to the body member of FIG. 2A;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a body member in accordance with another example of the disclosed subject matter, FIG. 10B being an enlargement of the portion marked 10B in FIG. 10A;

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an enlarged perspective and planar view, respectively, of a cross section taken along line X-X in FIG. 10A, with a basket liner in accordance with a disclosed subject matter being disposed therein in a fully deployed configuration;

FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of a frame member configured with a divider and a liner, of the example seen in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 12B is an enlargement of the portion marked XII in FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12C is an enlarged sectioned view along line XII-XII in FIG. 12A;

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a cover member in accordance with another example, complimentary to body member of FIGS. 10 to 12, FIG. 13B being an enlargement of the portion marked 13B in FIG. 10A;

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an enlarged perspective and planar view, respectively, of a cross section taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 13A, with a basket liner in accordance with a disclosed subject matter being disposed therein in a fully deployed configuration;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are a sectioned perspective view and planar view along line XV-XV, of the closed suitcase seen in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Attention is directed to the annexed drawings illustrating examples of cases according to the present disclosure. Whilst the examples are directed to suitcases, and even more specifically to so called trolleys, it is appreciated that the disclosed subject matter refers to any type of case.

In FIG. 1 there is illustrated a case, namely suitcase 10 configured with a shell-like base member 12 and a mating, shell-like cover member 14 pivotally articulated thereto and closable by several latches 16. The base member 12 and the cover member 14 are both plastic molded and further comprises a telescopic handle 18 extending from a back face of the base member 12, a carrying handle 19 at a top, and four swivel wheels 20.

Each of the base member 12 and the cover member 14 has a circumferential open edge/rim designated 15 and 17, respectively.

It is appreciated that whilst in the illustrated example the base member and the cover member are shell-like elements, one or both of them can assume a substantially flat shape, however on account of reducing luggage space. The base member and the cover member can be rigid or pliable and can assume different shapes and ornamentation.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the base member 12 is pivotally articulated to the cover member 14 along hinge 24, in a rigid pivotal configuration (i.e. not facilitating expansion of the effective storage space).

Unlike to the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in FIGS. 3A and 3B there is illustrated a different arrangement, wherein the base member 32 is articulated to the cover member 34 by a flexible closure member, namely a zipper 36 extending around the base member and the cover member. Also, as known per se, the zipper arrangement can facilitate expansion of the effective storage space, if required.

Turning now also to FIGS. 4 to 7 there is illustrated a divider frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, generally designated 40, comprising a frame member 42 of general rectangle shape with rounded corners and conforming with the shape of the circumferential edges 15 and 17 of the base member 12 and of cover member 14, respectively. The divider is provided for dividing the body member into respective front and rear compartments.

The divider frame 42 is integrated with a divider 44 during a molding process. The divider 44 is net-like (or non porous in the example of FIGS. 4 and 5) and is stretched over the frame member 42, and is configured with a zipper 46 near three edges thereof, to thereby expose and allow access to a compartment there behind.

It is appreciated that the divider can likewise be configured with one or more pockets (not shown) for storage of small articles.

The frame member 42 has an L-like cross section with a first leg portion 48 configured with openings 50 and lateral snap projections 52, whereby the first leg portion 48 is configured for snap articulation to the base member 12 or cover member 14, respectively. The second leg portion 56 is over molded with the divider 44 and extends in continuation thereto through a transition molding portion 57.

As can be seen best in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the base member 12, and the cover member 14, are configured at their respective edges 15 and 17 with a frame receptacle shaped as a duct 60 extending between and inside wall 62 and an outside wall 64, wherein at least the inside wall 62 is configured with openings 68 for snapingly receiving the lateral snap projections 52 of the first leg portion 48.

Frame member 42 is a rigid plastic molded element and once snapingly articulated to the edge 17 of base member 12, the later is rendered rigidity and sturdiness, and is also receives the divider, however concealing the frame receptacle (namely frame receptacle shaped as a duct 60 extending between and inside wall 62 and an outside wall 64), as seen best in FIGS. 7A to 7D. Further noted, the second leg portion 56 of the frame member 42 has a planar, smooth top surface 68. Accordingly, the arrangement is such that at the closed position (FIG. 7F) the top surface 68 of the frame member 42 of the cover member 14 bears over the top surface 68 of the frame member 42 of the base member 12, such that loads are born thereby, imparting the closed case rigidity.

The arrangement is such that the frame member 42 articulated to each of the base member 12 and the cover member 14, is configured to bear laterally extending forces applied to side walls of the case, both inwardly and outwardly oriented.

Furthermore, the arrangement is such that the case comprising a base member 12 and a cover member 14 articulated thereto, each in turn comprising a frame member 42, said frame members bearing against each other at a closed position of the case and are configured for and bearing axial forces applied therebetween, i.e. forces applied in a direction between the base member and the cover member.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a fabric liner generally designated 90 useful for serving as a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the body member, for concealing the base member and applying a cover over possibly rough surfaces of the base/cover member. Thus, the liner 90 has a three-dimensional shape generally conforming with the inside shape of the respective base member 12 or cover member 14. As seen in FIGS. 9A to 9G, the liner 90′ extends from the frame member 94 and is integrally molded therewith in an over-molding process.

It is seen, however, that the liner 90′ seen in Figs. Is somewhat different from liner 90 of FIG. 8 in that respect that it is configured at its four respective corners with a cutout 96, facilitating extension of securing straps extending from respective corner wall portions of the base member and cover member and used to hold contents of the suitcase in place. As will be illustrated hereinafter, the disclosure refers also to securing straps articulated to the frame member, whereby the cutouts 96 are redundant.

The frame member 94, similar to the arrangement of frame member 40 disclosed hereinabove, has a general rectangle shape with rounded corners and conforming with the shape of the circumferential edges 15 and 17 of the base member 12 and of cover member 14, respectively. However, in the present example, the frame member 94 has an annular groove 100 extending between an inner vertical circumferential leg portion 102 configured with lateral snap projections 104, and an outer circumferential leg portion 106, configured with lateral snap projections 108. A lateral top portion 112 of the frame member 94 bears over a top edge 114 of the base member 12, and further there is configured an annular depression 114 for receiving a resilient gasket 118 of the cover member (FIGS. 15A and 15B), provided for sealing and dampening the closing of the cover member 14 over the base member 12.

The liner 90′ is integrally molded with a flanged, flat portion 120, extending laterally inwardly from the frame member 94, whereby at the closed position of the suitcase (FIGS. 15A and 15B) corresponding flat portions of the frame member of the cover member bear against each other.

In turn, the base member 12 (FIGS. 10 and 11) is a shell-like member with a top edge 15 configured with an annular recess 115 extending between an external vertical wall portion 117 having snap windows 119 (corresponding in location and size with projections 102 of frame member 94), and an inside vertical wall portion 119 having snap windows 121 (corresponding in location and size with projections 108 of frame member 94). Accordingly, once the frame member 94 is placed in the annular recess 115, the snaps 108 and 102 snapingly engage within respective openings 121 and 119, so that the frame member becomes arrested to the base member 12.

In FIGS. 12A to 12C, there is illustrated a to frame assembly generally designated 140, comprising a frame member 142 of general rectangle shape with rounded corners and conforming with the shape of the circumferential edges 17 of the cover member 14. In the present example, the frame member 142 has an annular tapering projection 146 (corresponding with annular groove 100 of base frame member 94), and further comprising an outer circumferential leg portion 148 configured with lateral snap projections 150, and an inner vertical annular leg portion 152 configured with lateral snap projections 154. An annular groove 158 accommodates resilient gasket 118.

Also, there is a liner 90″ integrally molded with a flanged, flat portion 162, extending laterally inwardly from the frame member 142, whereby at the closed position of the suitcase (FIGS. 15A and 15B) corresponding flat portions 164 (of the cover member 14) and 120 (of the base member 12) bear against each other, as seen in FIGS. 15A and 15B, with the gasket 118 clamped over annular grove 114 of the base member frame.

It is further seen in FIGS. 12A-12C, that the frame member 142 of frame assembly 140 of the cover member 14, is integrally molded also with a divider 44 similar to the disclosure hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7, and wherein said divider 44 extends from flanged, flat portion 162, integrally molded therewith in an over molding process.

The cover member 14 (FIGS. 13 and 14) is a shell-like member with a top edge 17 configured with an annular recess 125 extending between an external vertical wall portion 127 having snap windows 129 (corresponding in location and size with projections 150 of frame member 142), and an inside vertical wall portion 131 having snap windows 121 (corresponding in location and size with projections 154 of frame member 142). Accordingly, once the frame member 142 is placed in the annular recess 127, the snaps 150 and 154 snapingly engage within respective openings 121 and 129, so that the frame member becomes arrested to the base member 14.

As can thus be seen in FIGS. 15A and 15B, at the closed position of the suitcase 10 (corresponding with FIG. 1 of the drawings) the annular tapering projection 146 of the frame member 140 projects into annular groove 100 of frame member 94 and the resilient gasket 118 bears over annular grove 114, rendering the closed case a closed, sealed and reinforced position.

With reference back to FIG. 3C, the frame member 42 is fitted at its respective corners with a coupler 179 to which a securing strap can be detachably attachable by a fastener 183. 

1. A case, comprising: a body member having side walls extending between a base and a circumferential rim, and a frame member articulated to an inside face of the side walls; wherein said frame member is being integrally molded with at least one of both a divider dividing the body member into respective front and rear compartments, and a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the body member.
 2. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is snapingly articulated to the inside face of the side walls of the body member.
 3. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is detachably attachable to the side walls of the base member.
 4. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is articulated to, or below a rim of the side walls of the body member.
 5. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is configured with securing straps diagonally extending from respective corners thereof.
 6. The case according to claim 5, wherein the securing straps are detachably attachable to the frame member.
 7. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is a closed continuous member or an segmented frame.
 8. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is articulated to an inside face of the side walls.
 9. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is configured with a generally L-shaped cross section, with a first leg portion articulated to the respective side wall of the base member and a second leg portion projecting inwards from the side walls.
 10. The case according to claim 9, wherein the second leg portion of the frame member is configured with a substantially flat top surface and is suited for disposing at a face-to-face orientation with a like frame member of a cover member of the case.
 11. The case according to claim 9, wherein the second leg portion of the frame member is configured with a projection-depression arrangement, for mating cooperation with a frame member of a respective cover member of the case, and configured with an opposite projection-depression arrangement.
 12. The case according to claim 11, wherein the projection-depression arrangement is one or both of at least a depressed portion and at least a projecting portion configured over the second leg portion of the frame member, whereby at the closed state of the case, when a rim of the cover is rests over a rim of the base member, the frame member of the cover member interacts with the frame member of the base member.
 13. The case according to claim 9, wherein the side walls of the body member and of a cover member include a frame arresting groove extending at least about a portion of the side walls and configured for articulation therein of said first leg portion of the frame member.
 14. The case according to claim 1, wherein the divider and the liner are integrally molded with the frame member and can be integrally secured between a layer of plastic material extending over one of or both faces thereof.
 15. The case according to claim 9, wherein the second leg portion of the frame member includes sheet gripping arrangements for improving integration and grip of the divider and the liner to the frame member.
 16. The case according to claim 9, wherein the frame member is configured with a resilient gasket at the second leg portion, improving sealing and closure engagement between the frame member of the base member and of a cover member.
 17. The case according to claim 1, wherein the frame member is configured to bear laterally extending forces applied to side walls of the case, both inwardly and outwardly oriented.
 18. The case according to claim 1, further comprising a base member and a cover member articulated thereto, each in turn including a frame member, said frame members bearing against each other at a closed position of the case and are configured for and bearing axial forces applied therebetween.
 19. A frame member configured for articulation to an inside face of a side walls of a base member of a case, said frame member being integrally molded with at least one of both a divider dividing the body member into respective front and rear compartments, and a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the body member.
 20. A divider for a case, the divider being integrally molded with a frame member configured for articulation to an inside face of a side walls of a base member of a case, said frame member being integrally molded with at least one of both a divider dividing the body member into respective front and rear compartments, and a liner extending in close proximity with an inside surface of the body member. 